Itinerary in brief:
- 3 nights San Francisco
- 1 night Auckland, NZ
- 1 night Ahipara, NZ
- 1 night Pahia, NZ
- 1 night Whangarei, NZ
- 4 nights Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- 3 nights Aitutaki, Cook Island
Day 1: Depart the UK
On arrival you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Check-in, and after a quick refresh, take the rest of the day at your leisure, stroll the streets, or dine on the wharf.
Included: Hotel & transfers
Day 2: San Francisco
Today is yours to explore the city. San Francisco is known for its cool and quirky vibe and iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge.
Wander through Union Square and grab a coffee whilst people-watching, visit Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Fishermans Wharf and make sure to take a walk to China Town, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia!
Included: Hotel
Day 3: Full day City Tour and Alcatraz
After breakfast, you’ll join your day tour of the city. Loop your way around the winding streets and pathways of San Francisco, exploring the natural and architectural beauty of this laidback city.
Later in the day head to Pier 33 and board your ferry to Alcatraz Island. Enjoy the 45 minute audio tour that escorts you passed the halls and cell blocks of the prison. Real inmates from Alcatraz’s glory days whisper rumours and stories into your ear as you stroll down the historic halls. Peering through the barred windows back to the city on the bay will have you questioning what life was really like for these inmates.
Included: Hotel, city tour & entrance to Alcatraz
Day 4: Depart San Francisco for Auckland
Today you'll be collected from your accommodation and transferred onto your flight.
Included: Hotel & transfer
Day 5: On board flight
Day 6: Arrive in Auckland
On arrival, pick up your rental vehicle and head to your accommodation, with the rest of the day free.
Auckland’s blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
Included: Hotel & car hire
Day 7: Auckland to Ahipara
After breakfast, depart Auckland and make your way north via the Waipoua Forest and the Hokianga Harbour to Ahipara*. The town is located at the southern end of the stunning Ninety Mile Beach, an unspoilt sandy beach curving its way up the north-west coastline to Cape Reinga.
Popular activities in the area include sand dune boarding, kite flying, surfing, body boarding and of course, just relaxing and enjoying the spectacular sunset! If you like shellfish you can even learn the ‘Tuatua Twist’, which involves standing in the water at low tide and twisting your feet until you feel the hard edges of tuatua – these shellfish are delicious steamed open or made into fritters.
(Approx 350 kms/5 hours driving)
*This route includes an 8km stretch of toll road and the short Hokianga car ferry (that departs every hour) which aren’t included – you can avoid these using alternative routes that may take longer*
Included: Hotel, breakfast & car hire
Day 8: Ahipara to Bay of Islands
Head for the township of Kerikeri, where you can stop to buy local fruits and enjoy the creative vibe in a town habited by artists and potters – there are galleries and cafes to explore and Rainbow Falls offer a beautiful picnic spot!
Then its onwards to Paihia, an ideal base to explore the Bay of Islands; catch a ferry to Russell or visit the historic Treaty House at Waitangi, which marked the beginning of New Zealand as a nation, or why not wander through a mangrove forest to horseshoe-shaped Haruru Falls.
(Approx. 115 kms/1hr 30 mins driving)
Included: Hotel & car hire
Day 9: Bay of Islands to Whangarei
Before leaving Paihia today you'll join a ‘Hole in the Rock’ Dolphin cruise – pass Cape Brett Lighthouse spotting whales and dolphins as you go, before reaching the Hole in the Rock. Hold your breath as the skipper navigates the small space and you can admire the rock walls soaring above. On your way back stop at Urupukapuka Island before reaching the wharf at 1pm.
Head off this afternoon to Whangarei – make sure you stop at Kawakawa to view the remarkable public toilets by the late Austrian artist and architect (and resident) Frederick Hundertwasser.
(Approx. 75 kms/1hr 20 mins driving)
Included: Hotel, car hire & cruise
Day 10: Whangarei to Auckland – Depart Auckland for Rarotonga
Enjoy a wander quay-side and explore the local farmers markets before heading back towards Auckland via Goat Island Marine Reserve. Swim, snorkel, dive or even take a glass bottomed boat to discover the abundant marine life just off the beach. Picnic at a beautiful spot at the end of the coastal walk before heading back to Auckland where your Northland adventure comes to a close and you drop your car hire off at the airport.
Board your flight for Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.
(Approx. 220kms/3 hrs driving)
Included: Hotel & car hire
Day 11: Arrive in Rarotonga (arrive previous day due to crossing the dateline)
You'll be greeted at the airport in Rarotonga with a flower ei (necklace) to the sounds of Papa Jake on his ukulele.
Your transfer will take you to your accommodation, where you'll be checking in for the next 4 nights.
Included: Transfer & hotel
Day 12: Free day in Rarotonga
It’s time to sit back, relax and let your clock run to island time! The Cook Islanders are friendly folk – you’ll never be far from a smile.
The main town of Avarua is home to the island’s weekly market so if you are in town on a Saturday, make sure you get up early to experience it (from 7.30am-midday). The buses run all day every day, in two directions – clockwise or anti-clockwise – so you won’t get lost! Black pearls are famous here so see if you can pick up a bargain at one of the islands lovely pearl shops.
If shopping isn’t your thing how about hiring a small car, moped or even a bicycle to do a loop on the main road around the island?
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 13: Free day in Rarotonga
There are plenty of lovely beaches to stop at – some better for swimming, others better for snorkelling. The Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve is protected and you can even do a practice dive if you’re not qualified! If you fancy a bit more action you can go kite surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or open water diving – plenty of options to keep water babies entertained.
There are several different ‘Island nights’ that occur too – these are a great way to experience the Polynesian culture through food, dance and music. Let us know if you would like us to include one in your trip!
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 14: Free day in Rarotonga
It’s up to you how you want to spend today – but if you’ve had enough of the beach then why not join ‘Pa’ on one of his nature or cross island walks? A total character, Pa is famous in the Cooks for his beliefs in natural medicine. He can walk you around some of the interior forest and offer remedies to any ailment (rub chilli on a bite for example!) or he can take you on the cross island walk where you'll get spectacular views of the island from its peak and enjoy a swim in the cool waters of Wigmores Waterfall.
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 15: Fly to Aitutaki
After breakfast you'll be transferred back to Rarotonga Airport for the short hop to Aitutaki (it’s just 45 minutes) – once you’ve landed in paradise you'll be met and transferred to your accommodation, where you’ll check-in for 3 nights.
Included: Hotel, breakfast, transfers, & flight to Aitutaki
Day 16: Free day in Aitutaki
The Aitutaki lagoon will be the highlight of your stay. We’ve included a lagoon cruise for you today and with any luck you’ll see George the resident turtle bobbing about at some point!
As well as stopping at snorkel sites around the lagoon you'll have a BBQ lunch and stop at two islets. Onefoot Island even gives passport stamps, and is proudly home to the only post office in the world based on an uninhabited island.
Included: Hotel, breakfast, cruise & lunch
Day 17: Free day in Aitutaki
For your final day, drink it all in; the laid back lifestyle and the sparkling ocean, the lack of wifi and contact with the outside world – it’s a memory you'll surely treasure for years to come!
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 18: Depart Aitutaki for the UK
After checking out you'll fly back to Rarotonga for your onward flight today. If you’re not leaving until the evening your hotel will be able to offer a late check-out (at a supplement).
Included: Hotel, breakfast, internal flight & transfers
Day 19: Arrive UK
Arrive home.
